🌹Movies, plays, and music in the park!

Pasadena’s iconic Batman mansion is back on the market for $32 million, The Right Stuff lands at Mount Wilson Observatory this Saturday, and Peter Dills sits down with San Gabriel Mayor Eric Chan to t

News N’ Roses
July 17, 2026

Good afternoon, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The original TV Wayne Manor isn’t in Gotham—it’s right here in Pasadena. The famous estate is back on the market for $32 million!

Pasadena’s Batman Mansion Returns to Market for $32 Million
Watch The Right Stuff at Mount Wilson Observatory This Saturday
Peter Dills Talks Food & Politics with San Gabriel Mayor Eric Chan
Events this Weekend
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

P.S. Happy birthday Jamil! 🎂

THE DIGEST

Pasadena’s Batman Mansion Returns to Market for $32 Million

Holy real estate, Batman. One of Pasadena’s most famous homes is back on the market, and it’s aiming to break its own record.

The iconic Tudor Revival mansion on South San Rafael Avenue—best known as the exterior of Bruce Wayne’s Wayne Manor in the 1960s Batman TV series—is now listed for $32 million. That’s a big jump from the $20.5 million it sold for just last summer, which set the record for the most expensive home ever sold in Pasadena.

Since purchasing the estate, the current owner has completed major upgrades, including new plumbing, HVAC, sewer infrastructure, and refreshed landscaping, while preserving the nearly century-old home’s historic character. Built in 1928, the seven-bedroom estate now pairs its classic architecture with modern amenities like a private theater, swimming pool, and pickleball court.

Unfortunately, there’s no Batcave hidden underneath.

The listing arrives as Pasadena’s overall housing market has softened slightly, making this less about the average homebuyer and more about finding the right buyer for one of the city’s most recognizable estates. If it sells anywhere near its asking price, it’ll once again rewrite Pasadena’s real estate record books.

Watch The Right Stuff at Mount Wilson Observatory This Saturday

Spend your Saturday afternoon above the city with a screening of The Right Stuff (1983) at the historic Mount Wilson Observatory. Part of the observatory’s Matinees on the Mountain series, the film follows the legendary Mercury Seven astronauts and the daring test pilots who helped launch America’s space program. Before the movie, grab lunch at the Cosmic Cafe, explore the observatory grounds, or pack a picnic. The screening begins at 3 PM on Saturday, July 18, with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Be sure to arrive early to purchase your required Forest Adventure Pass. For more information, click here.

Peter Dills Talks Food & Politics with San Gabriel Mayor Eric Chan

Local food personality Peter Dills sits down with San Gabriel Mayor Eric Chan for a 12-minute conversation covering restaurants, local bites, city politics, and what’s happening around the San Gabriel Valley. Perfect for a quick listen.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

This Weekend

💎 International Gem & Jewelry Show: Shop gemstones, fine jewelry, beads, watches, vintage pieces, and more from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers during this three-day marketplace. Pasadena Convention Center (Hall B) | Friday–Sunday | July 17–19 | Fri: 12–6PM | Sat: 10AM–6PM | Sun: 11AM–5PM

Friday (7/17)

🎮 Outdoor Family Game and Play Night: Bean bag toss, giant Jenga, horseshoes, and more outside by the Butterfly Garden. Hastings Branch Library | Friday | July 17 | 3:30PM

🌸 Plumeria Festival 2026: The Arboretum’s annual celebration of blooming plumerias features guided tours, expert talks, live music, and a local marketplace. LA County Arboretum | Friday | July 17 | 4–8PM

🌿 LA’s Garden Opening Reception: Meet curator Rosten Woo and enjoy music and a no-host bar at this free exhibition opening. Descanso Gardens’ Boddy House | Friday | July 17 | 5–7PM

🎸 Summer Sunset Concerts at Lacy Park: Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Rolling Stones Tribute Band: A Rolling Stones tribute band brings classic rock to a lovely park setting. Lacy Park | Friday | July 17 | 6–8PM

🎵 MUSE/IQUE: Defiantly Joni: A night celebrating the music and spirit of Joni Mitchell with MUSE/IQUE’s signature live experience. Mark Taper Forum | Friday | July 17 | 7:30PM

🥋 Caltech Tai Chi Club: A welcoming space to practice tai chi with fellow students and community members. Caltech’s Hameetman Center 220, Multipurpose Room | Friday | July 17 | 7PM

🎭 An Evening with Toots McApplesauce: Only Slightly Misbehaving: A vintage cabaret night blending old Hollywood glamour, jazz standards, comedy, and just enough mischief. Visionarium Live Italian | Friday | July 17 | 7–9PM

📚 Michael Elias discusses & signs Bender’s L.A.: The author joins Vroman’s to discuss his novel set in the coke-dusted deal-making rooms of 1970s Los Angeles. Vroman’s Bookstore | Friday | July 17 | 7PM

🎬 Movies in the Park: Spongebob: Catch Spongebob on the big screen for a free outdoor movie night at the park. Washington Park | Friday | July 17 | 7PM

📚 The Learning Curve Book Launch: Octavia’s Bookshelf hosts a book launch celebrating a new local release. Octavia’s Bookshelf | Friday | July 17 | 7PM

🎬 Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2: Catch Zootopia 2 under the stars at this free family-friendly outdoor screening. Sierra Madre Memorial Park | Friday | July 17 | 8PM

🎭 Mexodus: A new musical exploring the little-known Underground Railroad route that led freedom seekers south into Mexico. The Pasadena Playhouse | Friday | July 17 | 8PM

Saturday (7/18)

🌽 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce and farm goods at this beloved certified market. Victory Park | Saturday | July 18 | 8AM–12PM

🌿 LA’s Garden: An exhibition exploring the hidden human stories behind Descanso Gardens’ plants, landscapes, and living history. Descanso Gardens’ Boddy House | Saturday | July 18

🧘 Drop-in Yoga: An all-levels Hatha and Anusara session on the Main Lawn, with breathwork and good tunes. Descanso Gardens | Saturday | July 18 | 10AM

🎵 Musical Storytime at the Gamble House: Kids’ books come alive through music on the lawn, led by Pasadena Conservatory of Music. The Gamble House | Saturday | July 18 | 11AM

🎨 Vroman’s Children’s Department Presents Family Coloring Day: Kids and families can enjoy a coloring event inspired by the artwork of Coco Wyo, with coloring sheets, art supplies, sweet treats, and surprises provided. Vroman’s Bookstore | Saturday | July 18 | 12PM

🎨 Sip and Paint: Paint your own apple on a mini canvas while sipping Aguas Frescas at this free summer drop-in. Hastings Branch Library | Saturday | July 18 | 2PM

🎶 Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.: Young Stars Theatre brings the beloved educational musical to life with classic songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill.” Fremont Centre Theatre | Saturday | July 18 | 2PM

🎬 Matinees on the Mountain: The Right Stuff (1983): A classic film screening at the historic observatory, hosted by documentary filmmaker and archivist Nick Spark. Mt. Wilson Observatory | Saturday | July 18 | 3–5:30PM

🎂 Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States with Theatre Americana: A grassroots musical celebration of American history and cultural heritage. Lamanda Park Branch Library | Saturday | July 18 | 3–4PM

🎨 Opening: Tom Hall: Analog Minute – Folds and Echoes: A new exhibition opening at one of Pasadena’s favorite arts spaces. Fulcrum Arts Headquarters | Saturday | July 18 | 6–9PM

🎧 Field of Listening: Activation with Lani Trock: An immersive sound activation with artist Lani Trock in a beautiful garden setting. Arlington Garden Pasadena | Saturday | July 18 | 6PM

💦 Parks After Dark: Aqua Boogie Nights: An all-ages evening of swimming, music, and dancing at the neighborhood pool. Villa Parke Pool | Saturday | July 18 | 6–9PM

🎶 2026 Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series: Dave Barnes: GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Dave Barnes brings a night of live music to the Levitt Pavilion. Memorial Park | Saturday | July 18 | 6PM

🎵 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: Past Action Heroes: A summer evening concert series returns to a beloved Altadena park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | July 18 | 7PM

🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth: A free outdoor performance of the classic tragedy set in your neighborhood park. Garfield Park | Saturday | July 18 | 7PM

🐾 The Pink Panther: A Night for a Purrpose: Celebrate the Pink Panther with a puppet performance, animated shorts, and a panel discussion at Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Highland Park) | Saturday | July 18 | 7:30PM

🐱 Slumber PAW-ty at Tail Town Cat Lounge: Spend the night playing games, watching movies, and falling asleep among 40 adoptable cats. Tail Town Cafe | Saturday | July 18 | 8PM

Sunday (7/19)

🔭 Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: A rare look behind the scenes at one of Southern California’s most historic observatories. Mt. Wilson Observatory | Sunday | July 19 | 9AM–2:30PM

📚 Local Author Day Introducing Esma Ali, Paul J. Ramirez & Kimberly Lee: Three local authors share their work in an afternoon of readings and conversation. Vroman’s Bookstore | Sunday | July 19 | 4PM

🎶 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park: Smokin’ 60’s: A free outdoor concert bringing classic 60s sounds to the park bandshell. Memorial Park Bandshell | Sunday | July 19 | 6PM

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

WEATHER

Friday

87 🌡️ 66 |☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 66 (Moderate)

Saturday

87 🌡️ 66 ☀️| 💨 S 8 mph

Sunday

88 🌡️ 67 |☀️| 💨 SW 8 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

LIVE MUSIC

🎸 Stir Fry Reunites @ The Offbeat (Highland Park): Ska band Stir Fry reunites for a special show 22 years in the making with horns, power chords, and plenty of energy. The OffBeat – A Bar on York | Friday | July 17 | 6PM

🎸 Babe Rainbow: The Australian psychedelic rock trio brings its dreamy, groove-filled sound to Highland Park. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Friday | July 17 | 7PM

🎸 Daryl Darden: Guitarist Daryl Darden brings an evening of jazz and blues, drawing on more than 55 years of performing alongside legendary artists. Edwin Mills | Friday | July 17 | 7–11PM

🎭 An Evening with Toots McApplesauce: Only Slightly Misbehaving: Enjoy a vintage-inspired cabaret featuring jazz standards, American Songbook classics, comedy, and storytelling performed by Susan Sassi as Toots McApplesauce. Visionarium Live Italian | Friday | July 17 | 7–9PM

🎵 MUSE/IQUE: Defiantly Joni: A night celebrating the music and spirit of Joni Mitchell with MUSE/IQUE’s signature live experience. Mark Taper Forum | Friday | July 17 | 7:30PM

🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds: A beloved local jazz group brings their classic sound to a favorite neighborhood coffee spot. Jones Coffee Roasters | Saturday | July 18 | 10AM

🎸 The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Bob Marley + More for Kids: Kids and families can sing, dance, and explore the music of Bob Marley during this interactive family concert. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Saturday | July 18 | 11:30AM

🎵 29th Annual Concert Series 2026: Past Action Heroes: A summer evening concert series returns to a beloved Altadena park. Loma Alta Park | Saturday | July 18 | 7PM

🎤 Chloe Perrier: French jazz singer Chloe Perrier performs jazz standards, French classics, bossa nova, and original songs. Edwin Mills | Saturday | July 18 | 7–11PM

🎸 Rooftop Live: Blues, Rock & Country Night with Cowboy Lunchbox: Cowboy Lunchbox performs a rooftop set blending blues, rock ’n’ roll, country, and folk. Visionarium Live Italian | Saturday | July 18 | 7–9PM

🎸 King Woman – Celestial Blues 5 Year Anniversary Show: King Woman celebrates the fifth anniversary of Celestial Blues with a live performance led by vocalist and songwriter Kris Esfandiari. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Saturday | July 18 | 7PM

🎶 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park: Smokin’ 60’s: A free outdoor concert bringing classic 60s sounds to the park bandshell. Memorial Park Bandshell | Sunday | July 19 | 6PM

🎷 Jazz in the Park: Kira & the Major 3: A free outdoor jazz night on the Van Halen Stage, perfect for a blanket and a picnic. Playhouse Village Park | Sunday | July 19 | 6–8PM

🎷 Ken Song: Enjoy an evening of live jazz with Ken Song. Edwin Mills | Sunday | July 19 | 6–10PM

🎸 The Reds, Pinks and Purples: Indie rock band The Reds, Pinks and Purples joins acclaimed singer-songwriter Simon Joyner for a night of melodic, lo-fi songwriting. The Lodge Room (Highland Park) | Sunday | July 19 | 6:30PM

THANKS!⚽

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who waits until it’s dark out to go for a run. 🏃‍➡️

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